You’ve heard of group therapy activities such as Alcoholics Anonymous, but perhaps you’ve wondered what really goes on at these meetings. While different organizations may employ different counseling techniques, most group therapy sessions involve at least a couple of the following activities:

Education
Whether the focus of your group therapy is on overcoming depression or defeating an addiction, the group will most like provide some education on the topic. It may be a reading or it may be through a lecturer, but someone will give you tips for understanding your situation and suggestions for overcoming. Education arms you with helpful information that will assist you as you strive to deal with your circumstances or make changes.

Affirmation
Most group therapy sessions include a time of sharing and encouraging one another to keep trying. This may come through the form of free sharing, encouraging listening or supportive commentary.

Confession
You will also be given the opportunity to share any struggles or disappointments you have encountered as you journey towards better mental health or change. Because group therapy gatherings are limited to people struggling with your same issue (and sponsors or supportive friends and family members), you will benefit from hearing other people confess their struggles and celebrate their victories. Many people find they need a safe place where they can admit to falling off of the wagon or can share the depth of their despair. Group therapy can provide that safe environment full of people who will understand what you are going through.

Call to Action
Most group therapy sessions will call you to action in regards to your issue. If you are trying to remain sober, the group may exhort you to stay sober for one more day, to keep coming back to the meetings and to meet with your sponsor regularly. If you are trying to lose weight, the group may encourage you to keep a food diary or exercise with a buddy.

If you are anxious about trying a group therapy session for the first time, feel free to call the organization or read about the group online. Most organizations are happy to provide you with an orientation or set you up with a sponsor who can introduce you to the program and help you feel comfortable.